Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Editorial activity
Plastic pollution, encompassing all size ranges from macro- to nanoplastics, is an emerging threat and one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Plastics, particularly microplastics (<5 mm diameter), have attracted the attention of the public, governments, and scientists of numerous disciplines worldwide. The presence of microplastics has been documented in all parts of the environment—from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans—as well as in food consumed by humans. The interaction of microplastics with aquatic and terrestrial species has also been the focus of much research from both the field and in the laboratory. Research to date on the impacts of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) has been primarily short-term laboratory exposures, often with a single type of plastic and at elevated concentrations compared with what is seen in the environment, which is not representative of real-world aquatic environments. Thus, key knowledge gaps persist regarding the outcomes of these interactions and the biological impacts of plastic exposure—both the direct exposure of plastic particles and indirect exposure to plastic associated chemicals such as those used in their synthesis or sorbed from the environment. This Special Issue invites contributions covering all aspects resulting from the presence of plastics in the environment. We welcome papers that focus on the biological interactions and effects of plastics, including (i) field and laboratory studies with terrestrial and aquatic organisms, (ii) direct impact of micro(nano)plastic exposure resulting in molecular, biochemical, physiological or behavioral effects, (iii) indirect impacts resulting from the exposure to endogenous (additives) or exogenous (sorbed) chemicals via microplastics (i.e., Trojan horse or vector effects), (iv) ecological risk assessments and (v) human health concerns. Submissions are particularly welcome on emerging focus areas such as nanoplastics, bioplastics, fibers, and tire wear particles, as well as studies that use and characterize weathered or aged plastic particles. Authors are invited to submit original research papers, reviews, and short communications.